Overview & Reviews

The Volvo S60 is an established yet unconventional member of the entry-level luxury sedan segment. It competes in a class dominated by cars with normally aspirated six-cylinder engines and bucks the trend by offering a choice of two turbocharged engines, an inline-5 and an inline-6.

Styling is another area in which the Volvo S60 is unique, as this midsize sedan's body lines show off a modern and pleasing Scandinavian design aesthetic. Inside, the S60 strikes one as more functional than luxurious in its ambience, but it's hard to find fault with its carefully considered ergonomics and orthopedically designed seats.

There have been two generations of the S60. Those considering the first generation as a used car should find it easy to like, though in its later years it became increasingly outclassed in terms of performance, features and interior room. The newer S60 is fully competitive, however, thanks to a sportier, more engaging drive and an improved interior.

Current Volvo S60
The 2012 Volvo S60 is a midsize luxury sedan available in three trim levels -- T5, T6 and T6 R-Design. Each successive trim brings a more powerful engine and sportier suspension tuning and styling accents.

Standard feature highlights of the T5 include 17-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, power-folding rear headrests, Bluetooth and a full-featured eight-speaker sound system. The T6 adds a more powerful engine, 18-inch wheels and leather upholstery. The T6 R-Design adds more power, a firmer suspension, special styling tweaks, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a sunroof and sport seats. Optional highlights include keyless ignition/entry, a navigation system, a 12-speaker premium audio system, adaptive cruise control and a dual-screen rear seat entertainment system.

Power for the front-wheel-drive T5 is ably provided by a turbocharged inline-5 engine with 250 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel-drive T6 comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that produces 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the T6 R-Design again means all-wheel drive, along with a more powerful version of the same engine good for 325 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard across the board.

In reviews, we've found the latest S60 to be a comfortable, sophisticated and well-behaved luxury sedan with plenty of power regardless of trim level. The option of an all-wheel-drive version is nice for those who live in inclement areas of the country. The S60's only major drawback is a slightly cramped backseat compared to roomier rivals.

Used Volvo S60 Models
After a one-year hiatus, the S60 returned, redesigned for 2011. Initially, this current-generation S60 was available only in T6 form. The following year brought the entry-level T5 and high performance-themed T6 R-Design trim levels.

The first-generation Volvo S60 was produced from 2001-'09, and was a replacement for the S70. Initially, it was offered in base 2.4, midlevel 2.4T or range-topping T5 trims. The S60 2.4 came with a 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine that produced 168 hp. The turbo 2.4T had 197 hp. The most powerful engine was the 247-hp 2.3-liter five-cylinder in the T5. An all-wheel-drive model called the 2.4T AWD joined the family in '02, and all models received enhancements to traction control and engine management systems, resulting in improved response.

In 2003, the AWD sedan switched to the 208-hp 2.5-liter engine, prompting Volvo to rename it the 2.5T AWD. In '04, the hot-rod 300-hp R was added to the mix, sporting a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, 18-inch wheels, performance tires and bi-xenon headlights. All S60 Rs were all-wheel drive, and buyers could choose between a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. Also that year, the front-drive S60 2.4T became the 2.5T, as it, too, picked up the 2.5-liter engine.

For '05, the Volvo S60 received an exterior and interior refreshing. The T5 got a bump in hp to 257 and a few other upgrades. In '06, Volvo dropped the base 2.4 model and upgraded the 2.5T AWD model with a new all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction. The following year, all '07 S60s received revised front fascia styling. For 2008, the high-performance R model was dropped, and no significant changes occurred for '09. There was no S60 for 2010.

In reviews, we found this S60 offered a ride biased more toward comfort than speed. Handling was adequate, but the limits were modest on 2.5T and T5 models. However, shoppers should take note of the many mechanical and equipment changes made through this generation's run, as newer models offered more performance and features. Judged on its own merits, the Volvo S60 should be satisfying to own, but savvy consumers should also check out the S60's many competitors as they may offer more refinement and, for enthusiasts, a more involving drive.

User Reviews:

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  AWD says it all - 2003 Volvo S60
  By SaigonBob - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2003 S60 2.5T AWD December 2002. The winter of 2002/03 was the worst in decades. Snow. First time user of an AWD. The only cars on the road were snow plows, suvs, cars that people couldnt care less if they got into a wreck and my volvo. In wet or dry weather it is fun to drive. I like the body style, interior is nicely designed, dashboard and countor of the front panel gauges are attractive, geartronic is a must, good power and excelleration, ride is a little hard, the drivers seat is down to a science and it does not look like other cars on the road. Hey, if I win the lotto Ill get a Mercedes SL500, for now Im happy with my Volvo.

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  Could be better ! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By myfirstvolvo - September 15 - 10:00 am

  The drive is definitely different from my last car a BMW to a Volvo. The sunroof was malfunction the day I got my Volvo. Luckily, the part was under warranty. Blew out an un-repairable tire after three weeks. Paid $150 excluded labor for a unique hard to find tire. The car consumed more gas than expected. I wonder what else might go wrong. I however like the redesigned Volvo that looks sporty and maintain its safety reputation.

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  My S60 - 2001 Volvo S60
  By joeyedgins - September 14 - 8:30 am

  This car is awesome. I bought it with 85,000 miles on it. I had to immediately take it in for its scheduled maintenance (90,000). The dealership didnt do anything to it before selling so I had to replace the control arm bushings, tighten the sunroof cables, download the latest transmission software for the transmission, adjust the engine heat shield, etc. (1,900 dollars including the scheduled maintenace at dealership) Do not let the price scare you! It is amazing car-especially if you want to keep your wife satisfied. I cant keep her out of it. She never drives her Mercedes anymore. The car has plenty of power for not being a Turbo. I willdrive until the wheels fall off!

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  2012 Volvo s60 T5 - 2012 Volvo S60
  By jiml94 - September 13 - 7:03 pm

  I have been a Volvo owner for 40 years owning Volvos from 1972 to 2012. The 2012 S60 has been a refreshing change from "Your Uncle Olafs Volvo". My 2012 has 22,000 miles and has been problem free to date. The OEM Continental tires have worn to unacceptable tread depth with (2) near sidewall flats and a cut sidewall near the rim edge. These low profile tires do not have a rim protection bead and my other driver has scraped the wheel rims near concrete curbs . I have recently changed out these tires for Michelin Pilot AS3 tires which has a nice rim protection bead. Car did not have a spare tire and I opted for a emergency spare which reduces trunk capacity a lot.

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  Fun, comfort, annoying quality issues - 2002 Volvo S60
  By RAS - September 12 - 6:26 pm

  Exceptional value for the price. Styling, comfort, safe and firm feel all make this a pleasure to own. We did experience many problems that were annoying, but the overall experience overshadows the design and quality shortfalls. I am considering a newer (2007) S60 AWD purchase and will likely keep this one for my daughter to use. Front wheel drive was just adequate in snow. Next time Id buy AWD. Transmission shift problem required three dealer visits to fix during early warranty period. Fuel filler door broke off. Headlamps and tail light bulbs constantly burn out.

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  Thank goodness for my S60 - 2004 Volvo S60
  By luvmys60 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought a brand-new 2004 Saab 9-3 Arc and it was a very nice car, the only problem was that it had too many problems. No, this wasnt a display model. Under the lemon law, Saab bought my car back and I switched to a brand-new 2004 Volvo S60 2.5T and I am proud to say that I am very well pleased. The seats are slightly more comfortable than the 9-3 and the interior feels richer. The speaker system is (out of a possible 10) 0.1 points away from beating the 9-3s speaker system. Well, Im must happier that I switched to a Volvo!

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  damn nice car - 2005 Volvo S60
  By wes - September 5 - 6:53 am

  never owned a volvo..image thing, til i drove a friends..wow. this 2.5t really scoots and my wife loves the nav system. if there was one complaint, and its mild, it;s the turning circle. I had a back operation almost 2 yrs ago, these seats allow me to drive for hours! never thought i could do that again. love the performance and brakes

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  Great but not perfect - 2004 Volvo S60
  By ChampaignBlue - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Awesome value. Great blend of a high performance sedan and family truckster. Get the manual tranny. The car is awesome in the snow but do get some snow tires. This car will run with Audi/BMW/MB for less $. I love the variable suspension. Unlike an M3, it wont shake your teeth loose in daily commuting. I love the subtle exterior styling. I have had problems with brake squeal and have already had new brake pads (free). I have scuffed 3/4 of the rims at drive throughs. The radio is a bit too complex to operate. The clutch is a bit springy and engages a bit too high. It took a few weeks before I got used to the clutch.

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  S60 is awesome - 2002 Volvo S60
  By jmalexander - August 29 - 7:00 am

  Great vehicle; extremely comfortable and very reliable. Interior has everything needed except a back seat...very small. Firm ride and excellent road feel.

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  R U happy? You bet! - 2004 Volvo S60
  By zooommaan - August 24 - 5:30 am

  People have definitely hit on the high and low points. This car is Fast and Furious. It goes like a bat out of hell, stops on a dime and handles like a racehorse. It does all this in comfort and safety and looks good to boot! The stereo is awesome, it is always a pleasure to take this car out. However, I always feel like this car would rather be on an autobahn than tooling around town. I am watching the mileage dropping (on the trip computer) daily. It is not a great car to drive slowly, thats the bottom line.